Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki nominated as new Deputy President

President Ruto has nominated Prof Kithure Kindiki, Minister of Interior, as the new Deputy President.

If Kindiki’s nomination is approved by the National Assembly, he will replace ousted Rigathi Gachagua.

The National Assembly is this morning having a special sitting to approve or disapprove Kindiki’s nomination.

Following a comprehensive impeachment trial in the National Assembly last week, the matter was forwarded to the Senate, which is constitutionally mandated to try all impeachment cases involving senior government officials. On Thursday after two days of delieberations on the case, the Senate, ultimately reaching a decision by majority vote on thursday to impeach Gachagua.

According to the Constitution, the removal of the Deputy President creates a vacancy that must be filled. Under Article 147(3), if the office of the Deputy President becomes vacant, the President is expected to nominate a replacement within 14 days, with the appointee subject to approval by Parliament.